Staying in Touch while Social Distancing

Social Distancing but Staying Connected!

Here is a list of ideas from Sue Robinson, Regional Manager & Care Planner for Right at Home Kingston & Surrounding Communities

Start the day with friends and coffee or host an end-of-the-day happy hour.

Host a digital dinner party (or Sunday Dinner) and include a virtual cooking lesson of the main dish.

Have a virtual watch party with friends.

Have a family member read your child a bedtime book.

Reach out to friends who have depression or anxiety.

Talk to one friend each day.

Send someone you love a handwritten letter.

Stream a class or Commune with nature.

Foster meaningful connections with those you’re “stuck at home with” “safe at home with”. Enjoy time at home with your family & use this time to improve your existing relationships - All those things we put off because there was no time can be moved from your wish list to a to-do list:

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Cook and eat dinner together.

Blow the dust off games and puzzles. Hook up long-forgotten video games (Wii comes to mind).

Teach and practice life skills such as cooking, doing laundry,sewing on a button, gardening, or cleaning the bathroom properly.

Google Hangouts

messaging or free video or voice calls with one person or a whole group. Hangouts is a free smartphone app or Google Chrome Extension. It can be used on any kind of smartphone.

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Skype

free tool that can be used for video calls, chatting or conference calls. It can be used on a computer as an app or through the web or as a smartphone or tablet app - can host up to 50 people ata time, and you can use it with or without video.

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Facebook Messaging‍

which can be between two people or a whole group, allowing for a chat or texting option. Facebook also has a new feature called Watch Party. In this feature,the host can pick out a queue of Facebook videos and line them up for the party. The host invites friends (other friends can join later, too) and they can see and hear each other, as well as comment on the videos.

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allows you to send text messages and make phone calls (with or without video). The app also enables you to send and receive videos, documents, and voice messages.

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Zoom

can host up to 1,000 people in a video meeting. The app is free with limitations. For example, Zoom is free for calls between two people for 24 hours, and free for up to 100 people for 40 minutes

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Netflix Parties

is a fun way to watch Netflix shows and movies with your friends. It is available only through the Chrome browser, but it is free. There is a chat window where group members can comment and chat during the show.

Houseparty

‍ is a video group chat app for smartphones. In addition to chatting face-to-face, you can play interactive games,including Quick Draw, which is like Pictionary. There are also screen sharing capabilities.

For iPhones, there is the Facetime option, but it only works with otheriPhones or iPads.

Remember, it is important to manage your stress levels. Exercise, meditate, and keep to a daily routine as much as you can.

And bear in mind, it’s not just family and friends who require support, but others in your community. Showing kindness to others not only helps them but can also increase your sense of purpose and value, improving your own well-being.

It’s important to continue to culturally connect in ways that aren’t defined by sharing updates about Coronavirus.

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Sue Robinson

About the Author

Sue Robinson is the Regional Manager & Care Planner for Right at Home Kingston & Surrounding Communities

Please see: https://www.womenmeanbusiness.ca/community-member/right-at-home

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